Water is often the most overlooked nutrient in livestock care, yet it’s absolutely essential for health, productivity, and survival. Whether you’re managing a herd of dairy or beef cattle, or a flock of sheep, maintaining proper hydration is essential for animal welfare and performance.
In this blog, we look at the importance of hydration, how to identify signs of dehydration, and offer practical strategies to keep your livestock well-watered.
Why Hydration Matters…
Water plays a critical role in:
- Digestion: Helps in breaking down and absorbing feed.
- Thermoregulation: Helps animals manage body temperature, especially in hot or cold stress.
- Milk Production: Essential for lactating livestock – milk is about 85-90% water.
- Nutrient Transport: Carries nutrients and waste throughout the body.
- Metabolic function: Supports cellular activity, reproduction, and immune health.
Dairy Cattle: High Output, High Demand
Dairy cows have one of the highest water requirements due to the demand of milk production. A lactating dairy cow producing 30 litres of milk per day may drink around 100-150 litres of water.
Key Considerations:
- Place water troughs close to feeding areas – water intake is closely linked to dry matter intake (DMI).
- Ensure high flow rates in troughs; cows drink quickly.
- Use float valves and overflow protection to ensure troughs are always full and clean
- Monitor water quality: high salinity, algae or contaminants can reduce intake and performance.
Beef Cattle: Hydration for Growth and Health
Beef cattle rely heavily on adequate hydration for growth rates, feed efficiency, and overall health. During hot weather or periods of high exertion, their water needs increase substantially.
Daily Requirements:
Adult Cattle: 40-100 litres, depending on size, diet, and temperature
Key Considerations:
- Ensure clean, accessible water year-round, including during winter when troughs may freeze.
- Provide shade and reduce handling during heat waves to lower water stress.
- Monitor for signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, dry muzzle, reduced appetite, and sluggish behaviour.
Sheep: Hydration in Dry Temperate Conditions
Sheep are relatively efficient water users, but they still require steady access to fresh water, especially during lactation, wool growth, and hot weather.
Daily Requirements:
- Maintenance: up to 7 litres
- Lactating Ewes: up to 10 litres
- In hot weather or dry feed diets: Up to 12 litres
Key Considerations:
- Provide multiple water sources to reduce crowding, especially in large flocks.
- Check troughs and tanks frequently, as sheep may avoid dirty water.
- During grazing, remember that lush pastures can supply some water, but dry feed increases water needs.
Hydration isn’t just about putting out a water trough—it’s about understanding your livestock’s needs and the factors that influence them. Whether you raise beef cattle on pasture, sheep in dry conditions, or dairy cows in high-output systems, proactive water management will lead to healthier animals, better productivity, and greater farm sustainability.
Would you like some more advice? Contact your local DN Ruminant Specialist who will be happy to help…
